Physical Development is one of the three prime areas as stated in the statutory framework for the early year’s foundation stage. Physical Development in EYFS consists of two aspects: gross motor skills and fine motor skills.

We encourage the children to free- flow between inside and outside play, during the course of their day and to be as physically active as they can be.

Gross motor movements involve larger-scale whole-body movements, such as walking, jumping and riding a bicycle. As such, gross motor development begins when a child is born as they start to kick their legs or lift their arms. In early years settings, it's important to provide activities that support children's gross motor development, both indoors and out. This will additionally help to develop children's core strength; an important factor in successfully developing effective gross motor skills.

Whilst gross motor development involves larger body movements, fine motor development involves the smaller, more precise movements of the hands, wrists and fingers. Fine motor skills are needed for activities, such as fastening buttons and effectively cutting with scissors.